DSLR for Safari's

[Gate Keeper]

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am visiting the UK for several weeks and whilst I am here, I would like to upgrade to a DSLR for the first time. I have a Nikon F and Nikon F55 with wide and telephoto lenses. I have become frustrated when running out of film whilst out in the bush. hence my decision to migrate to DSLR. My budget is £500 - £900
In essence, I would like to ask the wise owls here which DSLR I should buy which can withstand the conditions of working and taking photos out in the bush. Travelling on rough roads/tracks, temps somtimes reaching 54C and bright sunlight.
Any solutions would be most welcomed.

Thanks

Philipe

[bono]

If you have good Nikkor lenses and want to keep them take a look at the Nikon D90 or D300.

[Gate Keeper]

Thanks Von Bono

For replying so quickly. I will compare the D 300 against the D 90. From my research, one comment against the D 90 is that the lens mount is made of plastic and can split or bend if the body is dropped. Just a thought in passing whilst I was here, I looked at your photo gallery and enjoyed everything

[bono]

I am happy that you liked my pics.

Just check out the detailed reviews on the D90 and D300 here:
Nikon D90 review Cameralabs introduction
Nikon D300s review: introduction | Cameralabs

[Gate Keeper]

Thanks Bono

I see that you used the Sony Alpha range to take your excellent photos. Whilst I would like to be able to use my Nikkor lenses in the new camera, I have also had the thought that if I am going to spend £500-£900 on a camera, why restrict myself to Nikon. I have had several Sony video cams over the years and have always been impressed by the build quality. Last year I took the mini-DV cam out onto Lake Naivasha and it got very wet. To cut a long story short I had to replace the LCD screen via a local dealer in Nairobi who repaired the damage. The image stability control in the Sony is very good, so I assume that Steady Shot in a Sony DSLR will be the same. I will also look at the Sony range of DSLR, given my positive experiences. It may well happen that my Nikon SLR will become part of my camera collection of Pentax and Minolta.

GK

[bono]

If you have some old Minolta AF-lenses they will work with the Sony bodies. The only problem with the Sony range is that there is a gab in the midprice sector. The Alpha 700 has not been replaced yet.

[Gate Keeper]

I will take that into consideration.

I am just off to a camera superstore to check DSLR's out and will take some lenses with me.

[Gate Keeper]

I am continuing with my research after having visited 4 camera stores today, each offering bundled packages for the Sony Alpha 330/380/500 range throwing in all sorts of goodies with twin lens either Sony or Tamron. One dealer even offered a 3 year warranty on Sony for free, plus the cash back for £130 on a Sony 75 - 300mm lens with the other. an 8 Gb card, camera bag and HDMI cables all for £649. A buyers market. However I will continue to read the forums and read about other peoples experiences. Choosing a good lens is as important as being able to understand how to use the gear and software. I have much to learn!

GK

[Aegea]

As a Nikon user, I hate to say this, but Canon probably has the edge for wildlife photography - from what I've read, I don't think Nikon has a wildlife lens as good as the Canon 100-400, nor a reasonably priced 400mm prime..

[Gate Keeper]

I took the plunge and ended up buying a Nikon D5000 kit which included a Nikkor VR AF-S 18-55mm 1: 3.5 - 5.6 G lens, Tamron AF 70 - 300 mm 1:4 - 5.6 Tele-macro lens, etc, with filters for both. I went to a well known photography store in the UK, where the buying experience was a tad unusual. From what I ended up spending I could have bought a D90.
Hey Ho! I am just a learner as far as DSLR is concerned, so I am still learning and the D5000 seems a good place to start - not too complexed